Friday, April 30, 2010



The Chaplain's Corner




Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.

Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

This year the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday May 6, 2010. The N D P tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

Because of the Christian faith of our founding fathers, public prayer and national days of prayer have a long-standing and significant history in American tradition. The Supreme Court affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer in Marsh vs. Chambers (1983).

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

If there has ever been a time that our nation, state and city needed prayer that time is now. From the halls of Congress in Washington DC to the City Hall of my home town, Russellville AR, we are a people in desperate need of God. I understand that not everyone believes that; many think that we can take care of our business without calling on God. That kind of thinking has taken us a long ways from the ideals that this great nation was founded on. Recently some of our city alderman in Russellville publicly announced that the Bible and Christian principles were out of place in City Council meetings. God help us.

Here in Russellville the area Ministerial Association is calling for all Christians to set aside May 6th. as a day of prayer and fasting. There will be a city wide prayer meeting at the Rsvl. 1st United Methodist Church at 12 noon on this day. All citizens are encouraged to join us in setting aside an hour of prayer and fasting. Your town should be having some kind of prayer service on that day. Find out where, and attend!

I think we all know that our nation may be facing some difficult times ahead. Please join us as we seek God for our nation, state and city. 'In God we trust" is still on our currency. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 is still true.
"IF my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
God’s word is true, but there is a big IF at the beginning of this passage. If we will do our part God has promised to do His part. He will continue to bless America; but it really is up to us!

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